By JASON TORPY - MILITARY ASSOCIATION OF ATHEISTS & FREETHINKKERS
Added: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:30:51 UTC

Over the past several months, the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science has partnered with the Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers (MAAF) to send over 150 care packages to military personnel around the world. These packages have gone from Japan to Afghanistan and Iraq. The Richard Dawkins Foundation, through its existing store has provided increased efficiencies to allow more packages to be sent out with the same level of funding.

Marine Sergeant Dakota Averill in Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, recently expressed his appreciation for the program:

I wish that I could explain to you the absolutely delightful feeling that a Marine gets throughout his/her whole body to see a package waiting for them when they get to work.  after I started digging through the contents of my package I quickly realized that this was not a regular care package. To my surprise the first thing I picked up was that glorious italicized “A”, and instantly I knew this was going to be a good one. I wanted to personally thank both organizations and anyone that personally had a hand in sending out mine, and any other’s care packages.  It truly brings a bright spot in what is normally a dull and ugly place to be.

Members of MAAF have the opportunity to sign up to receive these care packages. Care packages are one of several soldier support activities, including enlistment processing stations and thank you letters. The Dawkins Foundation includes food items, supplies like gloves and ziploc bags, and pins and stickers provided by the Dawkins Foundation. Occasionally books and other items are added

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TAGGED: ATHEISM, HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS, SECULARISM